United Empire of Man: The Alien Frontier (Practice Story)

Chapter 3: Survival Of The Expedition

Iris Pov, before the expedition

I sat on my mansion's sofa, having a hot cup of tea as I wore my military uniform. I felt proud to be the leader of the upcoming expedition to colonize a new star system and bring glory to the Wynhold family's name. It felt like I was destined for glory and it gave me more excitement but with the cup of tea in my hand, I remain calm and proper

Looking at the reports of our telescope, I was happy to set foot in this new, empty world that I can claim. "Thank you, father, for giving me such an opportunity". I say in a quiet whisper before emptying my tea cup, placing it down on the table before embarking into the base via car

Behind me, I look back at the window of my younger sisters bedroom of Abigail and Hina. Being the eldest sister of the family, it was my duty to be a role model for them and I plan to do just that

"So long, sisters. I hope I'll be back in a few months"

Later

I stand in attention amongst the column of the hundreds of thousands of soldiers under my command, I stand on the stage, overlooking the Planetary Security Force. I stay silent, admiring the brave men and women who are about to leave their home in a potential deadly planet with dangerous fauna for the effort of colonization

"Courageous Men and Women of Lumopolis, I welcome you aboard this upcoming expedition. You may ask yourself on why the PDC is tasked with colonization? I have been given authorization by my-... The Duke of Lumopolis to use the Planetary Defense Corp as the spearhead for the expedition"

I pause for a moment as I look into the face of the soldiers under my command, after a moment, I then spoke again with the same passion

"The star system is unknown, it hasn't been properly scoped out yet but with the greatness of us and with our marvels, we shall triumph against the hostile faunas on our target". I shout, wanting to rile up the soldiers with morale and excitement

"I, Rear Admiral Iris Wynhold, along with the million strong men and women, shall bring glory not in just Lumopolis, but also humanity as a whole and for the soldiers, sailors and pioneers of the future, I ask for your hand in mine as we walk this path of an unknown planets on our expedition to the great unknown"

The soldiers salute with the blue collar workers applaud at the speech of their duchess, it had seems morale was high and I had made a good job of my short words for departure for everyone

I stand proud as I look on again at the overwhelming number of men and women under my command. This is my first mission... Im sure it will be memorable as it will be insightful

"Then let us move forth with our mission. Brave men and women of Lumopolis, we shall charge!"

Back to the present, Iris Pov

I grit my teeth at the radar as thousands of bioships of the cursed Swarm was heading our way to gobble us humans up, this filthy and horrid aliens are a threat to not just us, but also Lumopolis if it were to fall

"Railguns, stand by! Pulse Cannons, make them operational!". I shout out orders as my small fleet was no match for such a threat but knowing with my Heavy Cruiser can make a large effort to do some of the heavy lifting while the smaller vessel as support

"Father... I wish you are here right now... Im scared". Iris says with a forced smile as she stares out into the darkness of space. She looks at the hologram, displaying the position of the giant spacefaring bio forms

The void of space was split by the looming presence of the Serene Duchess, its sleek hull bristling with weaponry. Across from it, the Alien Monster Bioship lurked like a dark shadow, its organic tendrils pulsating with an otherworldly glow.